Joshua 7:5
Joshua 7:5 in Multiple Translations
And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men; and they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them at the descent: and the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
The men of Ai put to death about thirty-six of them, driving them from before the town as far as the stoneworks, and overcoming them on the way down: and the hearts of the people became like water.
The men of Ai killed about thirty-six of them, chasing the Israelites from the town gate until they were defeated, killing them on their way down. At this the Israelites became afraid, losing all their courage.
And the men of Ai smote of them vpon a thirtie and sixe men: for they chased them from before the gate vnto Shebarim, and smote them in the going downe: wherfore the heartes of the people melted away like water.
and the men of Ai smite of them about thirty and six men, and pursue them before the gate unto Shebarim, and they smite them in Morad; and the heart of the people is melted, and becometh water.
The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them. They chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent. The hearts of the people melted, and became like water.
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
And were defeated by the men of the city of Hai, and there fell of them six and thirty men: and the enemies pursued them from the gate as far as Sabarim, and they slew them as they fled by the descent: and the heart of the people was struck with fear, and melted like water.
They killed about 36 Israelis and chased the rest of Israeli men from the city gate to the bottom of the hill. When the other Israelis saw that this had happened, they became very discouraged.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 7:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 7:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּכּ֨וּ
מֵ/הֶ֜ם
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
הָ/עַ֗י
כִּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
וְ/שִׁשָּׁה֙
אִ֔ישׁ
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפ֞וּ/ם
לִ/פְנֵ֤י
הַ/שַּׁ֨עַר֙
עַד
הַ/שְּׁבָרִ֔ים
וַ/יַּכּ֖וּ/ם
בַּ/מּוֹרָ֑ד
וַ/יִּמַּ֥ס
לְבַב
הָ/עָ֖ם
וַ/יְהִ֥י
לְ/מָֽיִם
וַ/יַּכּ֨וּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
מֵ/הֶ֜ם
Prep | Suff
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
הָ/עַ֗י
ʻAy
H5857
Ai
Art | N-proper
כִּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Prep | Adj
וְ/שִׁשָּׁה֙
shêsh
H8337
six
Conj | Adj
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפ֞וּ/ם
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֤י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/שַּׁ֨עַר֙
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/שְּׁבָרִ֔ים
Shᵉbârîym
H7671
Shebarim
Art | N-proper
וַ/יַּכּ֖וּ/ם
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
בַּ/מּוֹרָ֑ד
môwrâd
H4174
descent
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּמַּ֥ס
mâçaç
H4549
to melt
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְבַב
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 7:5
וַ/יַּכּ֨וּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
מֵ/הֶ֜ם
""
Prep | Suff
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/עַ֗י
ʻAy
H5857
"Ai"
Art | N-proper
Ai means 'heap of ruins', a city in Palestine east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as part of the Ammonites' territory. It appears in the book of Joshua and is associated with Heshbon. The city's name reflects its history of destruction.
Definition: § Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins" a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai. See also: Genesis 12:8; Joshua 8:20; Isaiah 10:28.
כִּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Prep | Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
וְ/שִׁשָּׁה֙
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפ֞וּ/ם
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
לִ/פְנֵ֤י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/שַּׁ֨עַר֙
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/שְּׁבָרִ֔ים
Shᵉbârîym
H7671
"Shebarim"
Art | N-proper
Shebarim is a place in Palestine where the Israelites fled during a battle with Ai, as told in the book of Joshua. The name means 'the breaches' or 'broken places', likely referring to a broken wall or a gap in the city's defenses.
Definition: § Shebarim = "the breaches" one of the points in the flight from Ai
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Shebarim. See also: Joshua 7:5.
וַ/יַּכּ֖וּ/ם
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בַּ/מּוֹרָ֑ד
môwrâd
H4174
"descent"
Prep | N-ms
A descent refers to a downward slope or a steep place. In architecture, it can also describe an ornamental feature, like a hanging decoration.
Definition: 1) descent, slope, steep place, hanging work, bevelled work 1a) descent 1b) hanging work
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: going down, steep place, thin work. See also: Joshua 7:5; 1 Kings 7:29; Jeremiah 48:5.
וַ/יִּמַּ֥ס
mâçaç
H4549
"to melt"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.
Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.
לְבַב
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Joshua 7:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 7:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 7:5
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 7:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
- Sermons on Joshua 7:5
Context — The Defeat at Ai
3On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”
4So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.
5And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
6Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. 7“O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 2:11 | When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. |
| 2 | Joshua 2:9 | and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:36 | As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 1:44 | Then the Amorites who lived in the hills came out against you and chased you like a swarm of bees. They routed you from Seir all the way to Hormah. |
| 5 | Isaiah 13:7 | Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. |
| 6 | Joshua 5:1 | Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites. |
| 7 | Psalms 22:14 | I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. |
| 8 | Nahum 2:10 | She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale! |
| 9 | Ezekiel 21:7 | And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.’ Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD.” |
Joshua 7:5 Summary
In Joshua 7:5, we see the Israelites, who had previously experienced great victories, suffering a surprising defeat at the hands of the men of Ai. This defeat was due to the Israelites' lack of trust in God's power and presence, and their own sin. We can learn from this that trusting in God's power and presence is essential for experiencing victory and success in our lives, as seen in Psalm 20:7 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. By trusting in God and confessing and repenting of sin, we can experience God's forgiveness and restoration, and live a life that honors Him, as described in Romans 8:28 and 1 Thessalonians 5:24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of Ai defeat the Israelites in Joshua 7:5?
The men of Ai defeated the Israelites because God had withdrawn His presence and support due to the sin of Achan, as seen in Joshua 7:1 and Joshua 7:11-12, which led to the Israelites' lack of trust in God and their own strength, similar to the situation in Psalm 127:1-2.
What does it mean for the hearts of the people to 'melt and become like water'?
This phrase, found in Joshua 7:5, means that the people became filled with fear and lost their courage, similar to the emotional state described in Isaiah 13:7 and Ezekiel 21:7, where people's hearts melt due to fear and anxiety.
How does this defeat relate to the Israelites' previous victories?
The defeat in Joshua 7:5 stands in stark contrast to the Israelites' previous victories, such as the battle of Jericho in Joshua 6:1-27, which were won through faith and obedience to God, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and presence, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 8:17-18 and Psalm 44:3.
What can we learn from the Israelites' failure in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's power and presence, rather than our own strength, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, and the need to confess and repent of sin, as seen in 1 John 1:9, in order to experience victory and success in our lives.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trusting in my own strength, rather than God's power and presence?
- How can I apply the lesson of the Israelites' defeat in Joshua 7:5 to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and presence, like the Israelites did in Joshua 6:1-27?
- How can I confess and repent of sin in my life, like the Israelites did in Joshua 7:19-26, in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:5
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men,.... In the pursuit of them, which were but few, but a sufficient rebuke of Providence; their loss was but small, but their shame and disgrace
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:5
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
About thirty and six men; a dear victory to them, whereby Israel was awakened, and reformed, and reconciled to their God and Shield, and they hardened to their own ruin. In the going down; by which it seems it was a downhill way to Jericho, which was nearer Jordan. As water, soft and weak, and full of fluctuation and trembling.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
Joshua 7:5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them [from] before the gate [even] unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.Ver. 5. And the men of Ai smote of them.] Not in fight, but in flight; for they stood not out the first shock. “ A cane non magno saepe tenetur aper. ” Even unto Shebarim,] i.e., A place of breakings or shiverings: this made them "sick at heart," according to Amos 6:6. Wherefore the hearts of the people melted.] They were not more discomfited than discouraged: because they saw that God was displeased, and for the time departed. A little water in a leaden vessel is very heavy: so is a small affliction from an offended Father. "Be not thou a terror to me," saith Jeremiah, and then I care not greatly what befalleth me.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
(5) Shebarim—i.e., the crevices, or ravines. A short distance below Ai the road passes the head of steep glens, which open into the plain of Jordan. In the going down—i.e., until they escaped into these ravines.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
Verse 5. They chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim] They seem to have presumed that the men of Ai would have immediately opened their gates to them, and therefore they marched up with confidence; but the enemy appearing, they were put to flight, their ranks utterly broken, and thirty-six of them killed. שברים Shebarim signifies breaches or broken places, and may here apply to the ranks of the Israelites, which were broken by the men of Ai; for the people were totally routed, though there were but few slain. They were panic-struck, and fled in the utmost confusion. The hearts of the people melted] They were utterly discouraged; and by this gave an ample proof that without the supernatural assistance of God they could never have conquered the land.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 7:5
5. unto Shebarim] So called, perhaps, from the mines, or stone quarries, which lay in the neighbourhood. The LXX. translates “till they had crushed or annihilated them.” in the going down] Or, as in the margin, in Morad. If we retain the translation in the text, “the going down” would point to a spot, about a mile distant, “where the wâdies, descending from Ai, take their final plunge eastwards.” the hearts of the people melted] Comp. Deuteronomy 1:28; Joshua 2:11. “And the herte of the puple myche dredde, and at the lickenesse of water is molten,” Wyclif.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 7:5
Shebarim - Rather, perhaps, “the stone quarries.” The smallness of the slaughter among the Israelites indicates that they fled early, probably without real conflict in battle.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:5
5. About thirty and six men — The disaster, though shameful, was much lighter than might have been expected to attend such a rout.
Sermons on Joshua 7:5
| Sermon | Description | |
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Rahab: Holy or Hypocrite - Hebrews 11:31 by Jon Courson | Jon Courson delves into Hebrews 11, known as God's Hall of Faith, highlighting the surprising inclusions and exclusions. He focuses on Rahab, the only woman in the Hall of Faith be |
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Christ and His Children by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the concept of timidity, exploring its various facets such as lack of mental or moral strength, reticence, cowardice, and shameful fear. Drawing from bibli |
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Guilt and Freedom by David Roper | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the book of Joshua and the thrilling days of Israel's conquest of the land. He emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience as crucial |
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Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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A Light in the Land (Christianity in Wales 200-2000) by Gwyn Davies | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the history of Christianity in Wales, acknowledging both the blessings and challenges that have been faced. He mentions the presence of disa |
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The Tabernacle #1 - Outer Court by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of purification and service in the believer's life. He explains that the water mentioned in 1 John 5 represents the life of Jesu |
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Let Us Not Forget the Substitute by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound significance of Christ as our Substitute, who bore the weight of sin and divine wrath on behalf of humanity. He vividly describes the agony of |